Frankfurt (Germany), 18 June (LaPresse) – Erling Haaland’s brace at the 2026 World Cup shook not only Iraq’s defence, but also the ground beneath Norway. During Norway’s 4-1 victory, seismic stations in Bergen recorded slight tremors coinciding with the striker’s goals. “Overnight, the Bergen seismic station recorded clear signals around the time of the match between Norway and Iraq. The strongest fluctuations coincided with Erling Braut Haaland’s goals, which sparked loud celebrations amongst Norwegian fans,” said the University of Bergen, which operates the monitoring system. The data shows peaks at key moments in the match, particularly during the Norwegian centre-forward’s two goals. According to the researchers, the signals were likely caused by the crowd’s reactions. “The signals are likely caused by the shouts and cheers of fans watching the match in Bergen,” the experts explain, emphasising that “when large numbers of people react simultaneously to major sporting events, their combined movements can generate ground vibrations detectable by seismometers”. The phenomenon is not new: similar instruments had previously recorded vibrations during major concerts or sporting events, such as Ed Sheeran’s performances in Oslo, when tens of thousands of people produced measurable signals underground. In the case of Norway, therefore, there was no actual earthquake, but enough enthusiasm to trigger a ‘tremor’ coinciding with the Manchester City striker’s brace.
2026 World Cup: Haaland ‘earthquake’ – tremors recorded in Norway after his goals
Frankfurt (Germany), 18 June (LaPresse) – Erling Haaland’s brace at the 2026 World Cup shook not only Iraq’s defence, but also the ground beneath Norway. During Norway’s 4-1 victory, seismic stations in Bergen recorded slight tremors coinciding with the striker’s goals. “Overnight, the Bergen seismic station recorded clear signals around the time of the match between Norway and Iraq. The strongest fluctuations coincided with Erling Braut Haaland’s goals, which sparked loud celebrations amongst Norwegian fans,” said the University of Bergen, which operates the monitoring system. The data shows peaks at key moments in the match, particularly during the Norwegian centre-forward’s two goals. According to the researchers, the signals were likely caused by the crowd’s reactions. “The signals are likely caused by the shouts and cheers of fans watching the match in Bergen,” the experts explain, emphasising that “when large numbers of people react simultaneously to major sporting events, their combined movements can generate ground vibrations detectable by seismometers”. The phenomenon is not new: similar instruments had previously recorded vibrations during major concerts or sporting events, such as Ed Sheeran’s performances in Oslo, when tens of thousands of people produced measurable signals underground. In the case of Norway, therefore, there was no actual earthquake, but enough enthusiasm to trigger a ‘tremor’ coinciding with the Manchester City striker’s brace.
